Team Rocket!
The absolute overlords of Kanto's underworld—snatching Pokémon, illegal trading, genetic experiments...
You name it, they've done it. A truly evil organization with a reputation for committing every possible crime.
But in reality, contrary to the terrifying rumors, most people in Kanto had never actually seen Team Rocket with their own eyes.
Yet now, they were standing there—alive and real, right in front of everyone.
The once-graceful and refined socialites and heirs were now filled with fear, staring in panic at the black-clad Rocket members who slowly closed in around them.
The once lively and peaceful banquet hall was instantly plunged into chaos.
"Damn it! Those Team Rocket grunts!"
Ash glared at a nearby Team Rocket member who was rudely using a Raticate to drive away civilians. His eyes flared with anger, and he was about to order Pikachu to teach that guy a lesson.
So, what if it's Team Rocket?
Ash didn't think this was his first run-in with them. In fact, he'd already defeated Jessie, James, and Meowth countless times.
What's there to be afraid of?
"Calm down, Ash! Don't act rashly just yet!"
Ash might be impulsive, but Brock and Misty were far more level-headed. Brock immediately grabbed Ash's shoulder and said seriously.
These black-uniformed Rocket members were nothing like the bumbling trio who always trailed them.
Brock's half-lidded eyes scanned the Team Rocket members carefully—each one carried an air of menace, with cold, vicious expressions.
These were the real deal—true members of an evil organization.
"But…"
"Idiot, now's not the time. There's too many of them! Wait for the right moment."
Misty cut Ash off in a low voice. Team Rocket had nearly surrounded the entire hall. Holding the advantage, they were now in complete control.
If a battle started now, it wouldn't be a joke—it'd be a massacre.
"She's right, Ash. Stay calm."
Red also spoke quietly beside Ash, his crimson eyes sweeping over the surrounding Rocket members.
This was clearly a premeditated operation.
Otherwise, there's no way so many Team Rocket members could've boarded the ship silently.
And this was just the main hall. Who knew how many more were hidden in the rest of the ship?
Hearing all this, Ash could only suppress the fire burning in his chest.
Soon, Team Rocket had rounded up all the passengers in the banquet hall, forcing them together in a tight circle, completely surrounded.
"Now then, good afternoon to all our distinguished guests~ I trust everyone can hear my voice, yes?"
The tense silence was broken by a slow, steady voice that echoed through the speakers in the hall.
It was Archer.
"What do you want, Team Rocket? Do you know the consequences of kidnapping us?!"
A middle-aged man in luxury attire stepped forward, voice trembling with fear and rage—both emotions radiated from his entire being.
He wasn't a noble, but he was a well-known tycoon in the region. Being pushed around like some common dog was something he simply couldn't accept.
"There's no need to be angry. We've got plenty of time."
Archer chuckled calmly, completely unfazed by the man's bluster, having heard him through the surveillance mics.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Archer, an executive of Team Rocket. I'm honored to tell you all—you've been chosen."
He spoke with calculated poise, as if he were hosting a VIP event, completely self-assured and in control.
But upon hearing his words, most of the passengers' faces twisted with fury.
Chosen? Forcibly herded into a corner, and they were supposed to feel honored?
Yet no one dared say anything. Their fear outweighed their fury.
"Now, don't be upset. We don't intend to hurt anyone. As long as you cooperate, we guarantee your safe return to land."
"Currently, the S.S. Anne is under our control and has entered uncharted waters. The nearest land is at least thirty minutes away."
Archer continued, voice steady. He knew full well that some passengers had likely already tried to send out distress calls.
But it didn't matter.
To ensure foolproof control, their route was completely randomized. Even with GPS, finding them in the middle of the vast sea would take time.
Upon hearing this, despair spread across the passengers' faces.
So... they were now helpless prey?
"Well then, I trust you understand. Next, please hand over your Pokémon quietly, and wait patiently for the cruise to return to port."
Archer's voice returned, calm and composed, as he watched the surveillance feed with a faint smile.
"What nonsense! If we give up our Pokémon, what's to stop you from attacking us afterward?!"
"It's a trap… just like we thought…"
"If we give them up, we'll have no way to defend ourselves!"
His announcement triggered an instant uproar. Even those who had considered cooperating now hesitated—if they handed over their Pokémon, what would stop Team Rocket from turning on them?
"Sir?"
In the crowd, the confidant frowned and looked at Rose when he heard the demand.
"Wait." Rose shook his head slowly, eyes sharp.
Hand over Pokémon? Absolutely not.
But he still hadn't seen the Team Rocket lead executives in person. They needed to bide their time.
"Everyone, please stay calm. Think it over carefully before making any rash decisions."
As if he'd expected this pushback, Archer remained composed—but now, his voice carried a darker undertone.
"Perhaps you're not fully aware of the stakes… But that's fine. Please, take a look at this."
As his words fell, a massive screen descended from the ceiling, hanging in mid-air.
The next moment—it lit up.
Hiss…!
Gasps echoed throughout the hall. Some people were already drenched in cold sweat.
"Th-this… How could they?!"
Misty's eyes went wide in disbelief, fear creeping into her voice until it rose to a sharp pitch.
Even the usually calm and composed Brock was sweating profusely.
Because what they saw on the screen were Electrode and Voltorb—famous for their explosive tendencies!
Just the slightest agitation, and… BOOM.
And now? The ship's storage room was absolutely packed with these ticking time bombs, all in a sleep state, piled up in a literal mountain.
"Psychos…"
Red's expression also darkened. His crimson eyes turned solemn.
Even with his strength, there were limits—and if these things exploded, it wouldn't just be a blast—it would be a catastrophic chain reaction.
Too terrifying to imagine.
Were all Team Rocket members actually insane?
At this point, most of the passengers finally understood what it meant to face Team Rocket. What it meant to face true evil.
"I'm sure you all understand now. Yes… If you don't cooperate, well—hehe~"
"But don't worry. As long as you hand over your Pokémon obediently, we'll make sure you all return home safe and sound."
Archer smiled cruelly. His expression was a perfect contrast to the passengers' dread—he was still grinning.
"Archer really is a piece of work."
Lucas stood outside a guest room, listening to Archer's speech through the broadcast, chuckling softly.
"Still, I've gotta admit—that tactic is pretty effective. Now none of them will dare resist."
Standing beside him, Marnie blinked her beautiful eyes. After all, she'd supervised the transport of those Voltorb and Electrode herself.
Back then, her heart was pounding the whole time.
Those guys were literal bombs with eyes—famous for their short tempers.
If just one woke up and exploded, the rest would follow…
She couldn't even imagine that kind of fireworks display.
Thankfully, they were all sedated with the strongest tranquilizers. Without the right stimulant, they'd never wake up.
That alone had been a relief.
"In this environment, even the boldest would think twice. If they blow, the ship's gone, and with it, everyone on board."
Marnie analyzed calmly. People are selfish. No one wants to die.
Especially now, in the middle of the ocean—if the ship blew up, even survivors would be stranded at sea.
"How logical… But who knows."
Lucas gave a noncommittal answer.
Normally, people would choose survival.
But there are always a few who defy logic, aren't there?
Not that it mattered to him.
He released Arbok, which immediately smashed open the guest room door with a swing of its tail.
Inside sat an old bald man, calm and composed despite the break-in.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Fuji."
Lucas's lips curled into a grin.
Yes—this was none other than Dr. Fuji!
He had full control of the ship, and Fuji's distinctive appearance made it easy for Lucas to locate him using passenger records.
"I never thought you'd go this far…"
Fuji remained composed. Ever since contacting Blaine, he'd known this might happen.
He was once one of the greatest minds in Pokémon research—his intelligence was unquestioned.
But even he hadn't imagined that Team Rocket would hijack an entire ship just to capture him.
"Still… you won't be smug for long."
A faint smile appeared on the elderly man's wrinkled face.
"Oh?" Lucas raised an eyebrow. Fuji wasn't a trainer, so he couldn't fight his way out.
So, what gave him the confidence to say that?
"You still have Mewtwo's research data, right?"
Lucas ignored the implications and cut straight to the chase.
That data was his true objective.
"I'll never hand it over."
Fuji said plainly. That data was his life's work—his final hope.
To him, Mewtwo wasn't just a lab-grown legend. It represented something far more profound—
That humanity could create true life: intelligent, sentient life. His dream was possible.
So, no—he would never give it up.
"I see. But this isn't the time for a chat. I'll talk with you properly after this is over."
Lucas met Fuji's cloudy yet resolute gaze and smirked. Just as he'd expected—Fuji had his own reasons for stealing the Mewtwo data.
But he wasn't some ambitious villain. So, what exactly was Fuji trying to do?
Lucas had his guesses. But now wasn't the time.
He tossed a Pokéball—Gardevoir appeared before him.
"What are you—"
Fuji's voice cut off mid-sentence as Gardevoir's glowing blue eyes enveloped him.
His eyelids drooped. His consciousness faded.
Hypnosis. A simple one, just to make the target sleep. It wouldn't harm humans.
Lucas recalled Gardevoir, had Arbok carry Fuji to the bridge—the safest place on the ship.
But just as he entered, he found Archer standing there, face dark as a storm.
"What's wrong? You don't look too happy."
Lucas glanced at him playfully while instructing Arbok to place Fuji on the couch.
If things had gone smoothly, Archer wouldn't be wearing such an expression.
"They resisted."
Archer glanced at Fuji but didn't recognize him. His eyes darkened further.
They actually fought back.
Were they insane?
Did they not realize what was below their feet?
A huge pile of Electrode and Voltorb, ready to blow!
Archer had thought they'd all submit immediately. Instead, they resisted—and their defiance even inspired others to rebel!
As for waking up the bombs?
No way. He wasn't stupid enough to go that far.
"It's fine. It'll just make things more interesting."
Lucas wasn't surprised. His lips curled slightly, eyes glinting.
Resistance?
Then crush it.
(End of Chapter)